ANCHORAGE - Today, Mayor Ethan Berkowitz announced additional measures to protect the public from COVID-19. People Mover will temporarily suspend fixed-route service. A limited number of essential rides will be provided by AnchorRIDES for the general public for critical trips only. The expanded demand-based service will begin on Wednesday, April 8. Fixed route bus service will continue through 11:59 p.m. on April 8, at which time it will be suspended.
Previous measures, including limiting bus capacity to nine riders and eliminating fares, have proven insufficient to ensure sufficient social distancing and protect the safety of riders and operators. The new demand-based service will provide rides for critical trips only, including trips to doctor appointments, pharmacies, grocery stores and critical jobs.
"This transition will require some fine-tuning, but our bottom line is safety. The temporary demand-based system will better protect riders who depend on public transit for critical trips," said Mayor Berkowitz.
The new guidelines include the following:
- Trips may only be scheduled for travel to medical appointments, pharmacies, grocery stores, and/or critical jobs.
- Riders must enroll and schedule trips 1 to 7 days in advance online (link here) or by calling 907.343.6543.
- Same-day service will not be available.
- Following CDC's social distancing recommendations, passengers will be limited to one (1) person onboard at any time. Personal Care Attendants (PCA) will be allowed, if necessary.
These changes will remain in effect until further notice. For more information, please click here.
###
Media contact: Bart Rudolph, 907.343.8490, bart.rudolph@anchorageak.gov